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Fried Halloumi Saganaki and Asparagus

Looking at the fresh local asparagus in the market this past weekend I was reminded that the end of the season must soon be at hand and with it my annual mad dash to incorporate asparagus into my recipes again after almost taking its availability for granted in just a little over a month.

For those of you who have contributed to Holler's and my No Croutons Required food roundups, your wonderful suggestions have not gone unappreciated … this little lunchtime saganaki and asparagus plate is directly inspired both by the season and by the success of my recent saganaki with Greek tomato salad. Add on the fact that it was less than fifteen minutes between pulling the ingredients out of the refrigerator and putting the finished product on plates, and there's no question that this is now one of my favorite early summer salads.

Wash the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Steam lightly for 3 to 4 minutes until the asparagus is a rich green colour, just tender but still crisp.

Meanwhile, heat a large frying pan over just higher than medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Arrange the cheese slices in the pan, trying to avoid touching, and fry until browned on the bottom. Use tongs to turn the cheese over and fry the other side until browned. While still in the pan, drizzle half of the lemon juice and scatter the lemon zest and oregano over the cheese, and finish with a good seasoning of fresh ground black pepper.

Remove the cheese from the pan and arrange between two plates. Scatter slices of radish around the cheese and dress with the spears of asparagus. Drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the plates and serve.

I don't know how I missed your post on halloumi, which of course is my favourite. Although in Greece we are supposed to have the best asparagus in the world we rarely see them in the market as they are exported but if I do find some, I will surely try this. As a Cypriot, instead of oregano when I make this I would add some dried mint instead.Lisa please I want you to see this link http://myamazonbookstore.blogspot.com/

What a great salad Lisa. Simple but delicious! And.. I do love Halloumi! I ate loads on holiday, in salads, on the bbq, in a vegetable stack and in pitta bread. Lovely! But, then I bought some when I got back and was shocked at how much it had gone up in price. Still it is worth it!

Based in London, Ontario, a veteran vegetarian for 22 years serves up a collection of delicious culinary creations from her kitchen, with an emphasis on spicy Indian dishes and whole foods. If you want to know what sensible vegetarians eat, Lisa's Kitchen is the place to be.